Inductive powering for a mobile communication device and method for use therewith

ABSTRACT

A power status signal is received in an integrated circuit that indicates an inductive power status of an inductive power module and a power status of an alternative source. A power mode is selected based on the at least one power status signal. A power mode signal is generated based on the selected power mode. A power supply signal is generated and adjusted in response to the power mode signal.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present U.S. Utility Patent Application claims priority pursuant to35 U.S.C. §120, as a continuation, to U.S. Utility patent applicationSer. No. 13/186,918, entitled INDUCTIVE POWERING FOR A MOBILECOMMUNICATION DEVICE AND A RADIO FREQUENCY INTEGRATED CIRCUIT, filedJul. 20, 2011, which claims priority pursuant to 35 U.S.C. §120, as acontinuation, to U.S. Utility patent application Ser. No. 12/846,591,entitled POWER MODE CONTROL FOR A COMMUNICATION DEVICE AND RADIOFREQUENCY INTEGRATED CIRCUIT USE THEREWITH, filed Jul. 29, 2010, issuedAug. 30, 2011 as U.S. Pat. No. 8,010,078, which claims priority pursuantto 35 USC 120, as a continuation, to U.S. Utility patent applicationSer. No. 12/719,625, entitled POWER MODE CONTROL FOR A COMMUNICATIONDEVICE AND METHOD FOR USE THEREWITH, filed Mar. 8, 2010, issued Sep. 7,2010 as U.S. Pat. No. 7,792,515, which claims priority pursuant to 35U.S. C. §120, as a continuation, to U.S. Utility patent application Ser.No. 11/703,883, entitled INDUCTIVE POWERING FOR A MOBILE COMMUNICATIONDEVICE AND METHOD FOR USE THEREWITH, filed Feb. 8, 2007, issued on Apr.27, 2010 as U.S. Pat. No. 7,706,771, all of which are herebyincorporated herein by reference in their entirety and made part of thepresent U.S. Utility Patent Application for all purposes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally to mobile communication devices andmore particularly to a circuit for managing power in a combined voice,data and RF integrated circuit.

2. Description of Related Art

As is known, integrated circuits are used in a wide variety of productsincluding, but certainly not limited to, portable electronic devices,computers, computer networking equipment, home entertainment, automotivecontrols and features, and home appliances. As is also known, integratedcircuits include a plurality of circuits in a very small space toperform one or more fixed or programmable functions.

Power management can be an important consideration for electronicdevices, particularly for mobile devices that operate from batterypower. Lowering the power consumption of a device can increase batterylife, or conversely, can potentially decrease the size of the batterythat is required, with a corresponding decrease in weight and size.

The advantages of the present invention will be apparent to one skilledin the art when presented with the disclosure herein.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to apparatus and methods of operationthat are further described in the following Brief Description of theDrawings, the Detailed Description of the Invention, and the claims.Other features and advantages of the present invention will becomeapparent from the following detailed description of the invention madewith reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a communicationsystem in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of anothercommunication system in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of an integratedcircuit in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of anintegrated circuit in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a more detailed schematic block diagram of an embodiment ofpower management circuitry in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of an inductivepower module in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of aninductive power module in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of an integratedcircuit in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of anintegrated circuit in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a more detailed schematic block diagram of an embodiment ofpower management circuitry in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a side view of a pictorial representation of an integratedcircuit package in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a bottom view of a pictorial representation of an integratedcircuit package in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method in accordance withthe present invention; and

FIG. 14 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method in accordance withthe present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a communicationsystem in accordance with the present invention. In particular acommunication system is shown that includes a communication device 10that communicates real-time data 24 and non-real-time data 26 wirelesslywith one or more other devices such as base station 18, non-real-timedevice 20, real-time device 22, and non-real-time and/or real-timedevice 24. In addition, communication device 10 can also optionallycommunicate over a wireline connection with non-real-time device 12,real-time device 14 and non-real-time and/or real-time device 16.

In an embodiment of the present invention the wireline connection 28 canbe a wired connection that operates in accordance with one or morestandard protocols, such as a universal serial bus (USB), Institute ofElectrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 488, IEEE 1394 (Firewire),Ethernet, small computer system interface (SCSI), serial or paralleladvanced technology attachment (SATA or PATA), or other wiredcommunication protocol, either standard or proprietary. The wirelessconnection can communicate in accordance with a wireless networkprotocol such as IEEE 802.11, Bluetooth, Ultra-Wideband (UWB), WIMAX, orother wireless network protocol, a wireless telephony data/voiceprotocol such as Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), GeneralPacket Radio Service (GPRS), Enhanced Data Rates for Global Evolution(EDGE), Personal Communication Services (PCS), or other mobile wirelessprotocol or other wireless communication protocol, either standard orproprietary. Further, the wireless communication path can includeseparate transmit and receive paths that use separate carrierfrequencies and/or separate frequency channels. Alternatively, a singlefrequency or frequency channel can be used to bi-directionallycommunicate data to and from the communication device 10.

Communication device 10 can be a mobile phone such as a cellulartelephone, a personal digital assistant, game console, personalcomputer, laptop computer, or other device that performs one or morefunctions that include communication of voice and/or data via wirelineconnection 28 and/or the wireless communication path. In an embodimentof the present invention, the real-time and non-real-time devices 12, 1416, 18, 20, 22 and 24 can be personal computers, laptops, PDAs, mobilephones, such as cellular telephones, devices equipped with wirelesslocal area network or Bluetooth transceivers, FM tuners, TV tuners,digital cameras, digital camcorders, or other devices that eitherproduce, process or use audio, video signals or other data orcommunications.

In operation, the communication device includes one or more applicationsthat include voice communications such as standard telephonyapplications, voice-over-Internet Protocol (VoIP) applications, localgaming, Internet gaming, email, instant messaging, multimedia messaging,web browsing, audio/video recording, audio/video playback, audio/videodownloading, playing of streaming audio/video, office applications suchas databases, spreadsheets, word processing, presentation creation andprocessing and other voice and data applications. In conjunction withthese applications, the real-time data 26 includes voice, audio, videoand multimedia applications including Internet gaming, etc. Thenon-real-time data 24 includes text messaging, email, web browsing, fileuploading and downloading, etc.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the communication device 10includes an integrated circuit, such as a combined voice, data and RFintegrated circuit that includes one or more features or functions ofthe present invention. Such integrated circuits shall be described ingreater detail in association with FIGS. 3-14 that follow.

FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of anothercommunication system in accordance with the present invention. Inparticular, FIG. 2 presents a communication system that includes manycommon elements of FIG. 1 that are referred to by common referencenumerals. Communication device 30 is similar to communication device 10and is capable of any of the applications, functions and featuresattributed to communication device 10, as discussed in conjunction withFIG. 1. However, communication device 30 includes two separate wirelesstransceivers for communicating, contemporaneously, via two or morewireless communication protocols with data device 32 and/or data basestation 34 via RF data 40 and voice base station 36 and/or voice device38 via RF voice signals 42.

FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of an integratedcircuit in accordance with the present invention. In particular, a voicedata RF integrated circuit (IC) 50 is shown that implementscommunication device 10 in conjunction with microphone 60,keypad/keyboard 58, memory 54, speaker 62, display 56, camera 76,antenna interface 52 and wireline port 64. In operation, voice data RFIC 50 includes RF and baseband modules for formatting and modulatingdata into RF real-time data 26 and non-real-time data 24 andtransmitting this data via an antenna interface 52 and antenna. Inaddition, voice data RF IC 50 includes the appropriate encoders anddecoders for communicating via the wireline connection 28 via wirelineport 64, an optional memory interface for communicating with off-chipmemory 54, a codec for encoding voice signals from microphone 60 intodigital voice signals, a keypad/keyboard interface for generating datafrom keypad/keyboard 58 in response to the actions of a user, a displaydriver for driving display 56, such as by rendering a color videosignal, text, graphics, or other display data, and an audio driver suchas an audio amplifier for driving speaker 62 and one or more otherinterfaces, such as for interfacing with the camera 76 or the otherperipheral devices.

Off-chip power management circuit 95 includes one or more DC-DCconverters, voltage regulators, current regulators or other powersupplies for supplying the voice data RF IC 50 and optionally the othercomponents of communication device 10 and/or its peripheral devices withsupply voltages and or currents (collectively power supply signals) thatmay be required to power these devices. Off-chip power managementcircuit 95 can operate from power supplied by an inductive power module275 that converts an electromagnetic signal from an external source intoa supply voltage and current. Alternatively or in addition, off-chippower management circuit 95 can receive power from other power sources29 such as one or more batteries, line power and/or from other powersources, not shown. In particular, off-chip power management module canselectively supply power supply signals of different voltages, currentsor current limits or with adjustable voltages, currents or currentlimits in response to power mode signals received from the voice data RFIC 50 and selectively power portions of the voice data RF IC 50, othercomponents of communication device 10 and/or other devices coupledthereto in response to power mode signals received from the voice dataRF IC 50.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the voice data RF IC is asystem on a chip integrated circuit that includes at least oneprocessing device. Such a processing device, for instance, processingmodule 225, may be a microprocessor, micro-controller, digital signalprocessor, microcomputer, central processing unit, field programmablegate array, programmable logic device, state machine, logic circuitry,analog circuitry, digital circuitry, and/or any device that manipulatessignals (analog and/or digital) based on operational instructions. Theassociated memory may be a single memory device or a plurality of memorydevices that are either on-chip or off-chip such as memory 54. Such amemory device may be a read-only memory, random access memory, volatilememory, non-volatile memory, static memory, dynamic memory, flashmemory, and/or any device that stores digital information. Note thatwhen the Voice Data RF IC 50 implements one or more of its functions viaa state machine, analog circuitry, digital circuitry, and/or logiccircuitry, the associated memory storing the corresponding operationalinstructions for this circuitry is embedded with the circuitrycomprising the state machine, analog circuitry, digital circuitry,and/or logic circuitry.

In operation, the voice data RF IC 50 executes operational instructionsthat implement one or more of the applications (real-time ornon-real-time) attributed to communication devices 10 and 30 asdiscussed in conjunction with FIGS. 1 and 3. Further, RF IC 50 includespower management features in accordance with the present invention thatwill be discussed in greater detail in association with FIG. 5.

FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of anintegrated circuit in accordance with the present invention. Inparticular, FIG. 4 presents a communication device 30 that includes manycommon elements of FIG. 3 that are referred to by common referencenumerals. Voice data RF IC 70 is similar to voice data RF IC 50 and iscapable of any of the applications, functions and features attributed tovoice data RF IC 50 as discussed in conjunction with FIG. 3. However,voice data RF IC 70 includes two separate wireless transceivers forcommunicating, contemporaneously, via two or more wireless communicationprotocols via RF data 40 and RF voice signals 42.

In operation, the voice data RF IC 70 executes operational instructionsthat implement one or more of the applications (real-time ornon-real-time) attributed to communication device 10 as discussed inconjunction with FIG. 1. Further, RF IC 70 includes power managementfeatures in accordance with the present invention that will be discussedin greater detail in association with FIG. 5.

FIG. 5 is a more detailed schematic block diagram of an embodiment ofpower management circuitry in accordance with the present invention. Inparticular, selected modules of voice data RF IC 50 or 70 are shown thatinclude processing module 225, memory module 230, wireline port 64,clock signal generator 202 and interface modules 240 and 242.

In an embodiment of the present invention, memory module 230 stores aleast one application, such as application 232 and/or application 234that may include any of the applications discussed in conjunction withFIGS. 1-4, as well as other interface applications, system utilities, orother programs executed by processing module 225 to perform thefunctions and features of communication device 10 or 30. Theseapplications are stored in memory module 230 and/or an off-chip memorysuch as memory 54, as a plurality of operational instructions. Dependingon which application is being executed by the processing module 225, theuse characteristics of that application at a given time and/or the powerstatus signals 209 may be used to determine a power mode that powers thevoice data and RF IC in an efficient fashion. If communication device 10or 30 is using certain peripheral devices and/or certain interfaces ormodules at a given time, off-chip power management circuit 95 can becommanded to supply only those power supply signals that are requiredbased on the peripheral devices, interfaces and/or other modules thatare in use.

For instance, if a USB device is coupled to wireline port 64, then apower mode command can be sent to off-chip power management module 95 togenerate a power supply signal 204 that supplies a power supply voltage,(such as a 5 volt, 8 milliamp supply voltage) to the wireline port 64 inorder to power the USB device or devices connected thereto. In anotherexample, if the communication device 10 includes a mobile communicationdevice that operates in accordance with a GSM or EDGE wireless protocol,the off-chip power management circuit 95 can generate supply voltagesfor the baseband and RF modules of the transceiver only when thetransceiver is operating. Further, peripheral devices 250, 252, etc.such as the camera 76, memory 54, keypad/keyboard 58, microphone 60,display 56, and speaker 62 can be powered through interfaces 240, 242,etc. when these peripheral devices are attached (to the extent that theycan be detached) and to the extent that these devices are currently inuse by the application.

The power management features of the present invention operate based onthe processing module determining, for the current application beingexecuted with corresponding current use characteristics, the currentpower mode of a plurality of power modes. In particular, processingmodule 225 when executing the application, selects a current power modebased on current use characteristics of the application and/or the powerstatus signals 209, and generates a power mode signal 208 based on theselected power modes. In an embodiment of the present invention,processing module 225 maintains a register that indicates for aplurality of modules, interfaces and/or peripheral devices either,whether that device is currently being used or a power flag, such aspower off, power on, high power, low power, medium power, etc, for thatparticular device, module and/or interface (when these devices arethemselves capable in operating in different power modes). In addition,processing module, via look-up table, calculation or other processingroutine, determines power mode 208 by determining the particular powersupply signals required to be generated based on the devices in use andoptionally their own power states and based on the power status signals209.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the off-chip power managementmodule monitors the status of the external power sources such as thebattery, an external power source such as a power supply or othervoltage source, and inductive power module 275. If the external powersource is supplying adequate and reliable power, off-chip powermanagement circuit 95 can set an external power status indicator of thepower status signals 209 to a ready state. If not, the off-chip powermanagement circuit 95 can set the external power status indicator of thepower status signals 209 to a not-ready state. Further, if the batteryis supplying adequate and reliable power, off-chip power managementcircuit 95 can set a battery power status indicator of the power statussignals 209 to a normal state. If not, the off-chip power managementcircuit 95 can set the battery power status indicator of the powerstatus signals 209 to a low power state. In addition, if the inductivepower module 275 is supplying adequate and reliable power, off-chippower management circuit 95 can set an inductive power status indicatorof the power status signals 209 to an inductive power ready state. Ifnot, the off-chip power management circuit 95 can set the inductivepower status indicator of the power status signals 209 to a not-readystate. While the various status indicators are described above asbi-state, likewise multi-state status indicators such as having high,medium, low, off states or other states can likewise be employed to makemore refined and more accurate power management decisions.

These power status signals 209 are supplied to processing module 225 andcan be used to select one of a plurality of power modes and to generatea power mode signal 208 that is supplied back to the off-chip powermanagement circuit 95. In this fashion, as discussed above, a particularpower mode can be selected based on the application being run and theparticular modules of voice data RF IC 50 or 70 or other peripheralcomponents that are in use. In addition or in the alternative,processing module 225 can select a power mode based on the power statussignals to reflect the source of power. For instance, if external powerstatus indicator is in the ready state, the off-chip power managementcircuit 95, either one its own, or via command from the processingmodule 225 through power mode signals 208, can draw power from the anexternal power supply, such as when the communication device 10 or 30 isbeing supplied power from a wall outlet. In response, processing module225, through power mode signals 208 can command the off-chip powermanagement circuit 95 to utilize no power conservation measures, or lessaggressive power management measures. For instance, any devices thatcould possibly be called upon for use could be powered in full-powermodes.

Further, when external power is unavailable (the battery power statusindicator is in a normal state and the external power status indicatoris in a not-ready state) the off-chip power management circuit 95,either on its own, or via command from the processing module 225 candraw power from the battery. In addition, the processing module 225through power mode signals 208 can command the off-chip power managementcircuit 95 to begin conservation measures to power down unused modulesor devices and to operate in a lower power state whenever possible.

In addition, when external and battery power are both unavailable (thebattery power status indicator is in a low state and the external powerstatus indicator is in a not-ready state) and power is available fromthe inductive power module 275, (the inductive power status indicator isin a ready state) the off-chip power management circuit 95, either onits own, or via command from the processing module 225 can draw powerfrom the inductive power module 275. In addition, the processing module225 through power mode signals 208 can command the off-chip powermanagement circuit 95 to other conservation measures, such as moreextreme power conservation by discontinuing the generation of powersupply signals to nonessential modules or devices, to adjust the powersupply signals 204 for some modules, such as by lowering the supplyvoltage or adjusting the current limits or to employ other conservationtechniques.

In a particular embodiment, when the battery power status indicatorenters the low state and the inductive power status indicator is ready,the processing module, in response to the change of power modes, cancommand the transmitter to transmit a low power message to devices incommunication with the communication device 10 or 30 so that steps canbe taken to adapt to the communication device's operation in an reduced,low or very lower power state. In this mode, the communication channelmay be cleared of other traffic or communication could be routed to aclear channel such as a channel reserved for low power communications.Further protocol changes could be implemented between the communicationdevice 10 or 30 to increase coding strength, decrease packet size,reduce unnecessary packet overhead, etc., to increase the throughput ofcommunications from the communication device 10 or 30.

Other examples of power management functions and specific power modesselected by the processing module can include charging the battery ifeither the inductive power module or external power source are supplyingadequate power and the battery power status indicator is not in thehighest power state. It should be noted that other power managementfunctions could likewise be performed including other power modes thatare different than the particular examples given above.

As discussed above, the off-chip power management circuit 95 can, viathe generation of power supply signals 204, generate an additionalsupply voltage in response to the power mode signal 208, adjust a supplyvoltage in response to the power mode signal, and/or adjust a supplycurrent limit in response to the power mode signal based on the sourceof available power and/or based on the requirements of a particularapplication. In addition, the voice data and RF IC 95 can include aninterface module such as interface modules 240, 242, etc that can beselectively activated by the processing module 225 based on the currentuse characteristics and the source of available power and wherein theprocessing module 225 can generate the power mode signal 208 thatcommands the off-chip power management circuit 95 to generate a supplyvoltage via power supply signals 204 to power the interface module.Further, the interface module 240, 242, etc. interfaces the voice dataRF IC 50 or 70 to a peripheral device 250, 252, etc. that can beselectively activated or deactivated by the processing module 225 basedon the current use characteristics and/or the source of power. Theprocessing module 225 generates the power mode signal 208 that commandsthe off-chip power management circuit 95 to generate a supply voltagevia power supply signals 204 to power the interface modules and/orperipheral devices or discontinue the generation of the this supplyvoltage based on the particular power mode.

In an embodiment of the present invention, voice data RF IC 50 or 70couples the power mode signal 208 to the off-chip power managementcircuit 95 via one or more dedicated digital lines that comprise aparallel interface. Further, the voice data RF IC 50 or 70 can couplethe power mode signal 208 to the off-chip power management circuit via aserial communication interface such as an I²C interface,serial/deserializer (SERDES) interface or other serial interface.

The various modules and circuitry of voice data RF IC 50 or 70 that areshown in conjunction with FIG. 5 can be implemented with one or morededicated or shared field programmable gate arrays, programmable logicdevices, state machines, logic circuits, analog circuits, digitalcircuits, and/or any devices or other processing devices. In addition,while particular circuits and modules of voice data RF IC 50 or 70 areshown, this integrated circuit includes other modules including one ormore RF modules, baseband modules, drivers and interface modules asdescribed in conjunction with FIGS. 3 and 4 or otherwise required bycommunication devices 10 and 30 to perform the various functions andfeatures associated with the broad spectrum of applications performedthereby. While a particular connection between these modules ispresented, other couplings are likewise possible, particular through theuse of one or more buses such as data buses.

FIG. 6 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of an inductivepower module in accordance with the present invention. In particular,inductive power module 275 is shown that includes an inductor 278 thatreceives a power signal by electromagnetic coupling to an externalsource such as an inductive power source, passive RFID transmitter orother source of electric and/or magnetic field that can be used to powerthe voice data RF IC 50 and/or 70. The potential generated by inductor287 is rectified by rectifier circuit 280 into rectified signal 282.Optional voltage multiplier circuit 284 increases the voltage using avoltage doubler, voltage tripler or other voltage multiplier circuit toproduce unregulated voltage 286 that is coupled to and supplies power ifneeded to off-chip power management circuit 95.

FIG. 7 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of aninductive power module in accordance with the present invention. Inparticular, inductive power management module 275′ operates in place ofinductive power management module 275 and includes several commonelements that perform similarly and are referred to by common referencenumerals. In addition, inductive power module 275′ includes a regulatorcircuit such as a zener diode, linear regulator or other regulatorcircuit that produces regulated voltage 290 from unregulated voltage 286for supply to off-chip power management circuit 95.

FIG. 8 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of an integratedcircuit in accordance with the present invention. In particular, a voicedata RF integrated circuit (IC) 50′ is shown that implementscommunication device 10 in conjunction with microphone 60,keypad/keyboard 58, memory 54, speaker 62, display 56, camera 76,antenna interface 52 and wireline port 64. In operation, voice data RFIC 50 includes RF and baseband modules for formatting and modulatingdata into RF real-time data 26 and non-real-time data 24 andtransmitting this data via an antenna interface 52 and antenna. Inaddition, voice data RF IC 50′ includes the appropriate encoders anddecoders for communicating via the wireline connection 28 via wirelineport 64, an optional memory interface for communicating with off-chipmemory 54, a codec for encoding voice signals from microphone 60 intodigital voice signals, a keypad/keyboard interface for generating datafrom keypad/keyboard 58 in response to the actions of a user, a displaydriver for driving display 56, such as by rendering a color videosignal, text, graphics, or other display data, and an audio driver suchas an audio amplifier for driving speaker 62 and one or more otherinterfaces, such as for interfacing with the camera 76 or the otherperipheral devices.

On-chip power management circuit 95′, integrated in voice data RF IC50′, includes one or more DC-DC converters, voltage regulators, currentregulators or other power supplies for supplying the voice data RF IC50′, and optionally the other components of communication device 10and/or its peripheral devices with supply voltages and or currents(collectively power supply signals) that may be required to power thesedevices, based on power from inductive power module 275 or other powersources 29. In particular, on-chip power management module 95′ canselectively supply power supply signals of different voltages, currentsor current limits or with adjustable voltages, currents or currentlimits in response to power mode signals received from the voice data RFIC 50′ as discussed in conjunction with off-chip power management module95.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the voice data RF IC 50′ is asystem on a chip integrated circuit that includes at least oneprocessing device. Such a processing device, for instance, processingmodule 225, may be a microprocessor, micro-controller, digital signalprocessor, microcomputer, central processing unit, field programmablegate array, programmable logic device, state machine, logic circuitry,analog circuitry, digital circuitry, and/or any device that manipulatessignals (analog and/or digital) based on operational instructions. Theassociated memory may be a single memory device or a plurality of memorydevices that are either on-chip or off-chip such as memory 54. Such amemory device may be a read-only memory, random access memory, volatilememory, non-volatile memory, static memory, dynamic memory, flashmemory, and/or any device that stores digital information. Note thatwhen the voice data RF IC 50′ implements one or more of its functionsvia a state machine, analog circuitry, digital circuitry, and/or logiccircuitry, the associated memory storing the corresponding operationalinstructions for this circuitry is embedded with the circuitrycomprising the state machine, analog circuitry, digital circuitry,and/or logic circuitry.

In operation, the voice data RF IC 50′ executes operational instructionsthat implement one or more of the applications (real-time ornon-real-time) attributed to communication devices 10 and 30 asdiscussed in conjunction with FIGS. 1 and 3. Further, RF IC 50′ includeson-chip power management circuit 95′ that implements power managementfeatures in accordance with the present invention that have beendiscussed in conjunction with off-chip power management circuit 95.

The on-chip power management circuit 95 can be implemented as amulti-output programmable power supply, that receives the power modesignal 208 and generates and optionally routes the power supply signals204 to particular ports, pins or pads of voice data RF IC 50 or 70 ordirectly to peripheral devices via a switch matrix, as commanded basedon the power mode signal. In an embodiment of the present invention, thepower mode signal 208 is decoded by the on-chip power management moduleto determine the particular power supply signals to be generated, andoptionally—their characteristics such as voltage, current and/or currentlimit.

FIG. 9 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of anintegrated circuit in accordance with the present invention. Inparticular, FIG. 9 presents a communication device 30 that includes manycommon elements of FIG. 8 that are referred to by common referencenumerals. Voice data RF IC 70′ is similar to voice data RF IC 50′ and iscapable of any of the applications, functions and features attributed tovoice data RF IC 50′ as discussed in conjunction with FIG. 8. However,voice data RF IC 70′ includes two separate wireless transceivers forcommunicating, contemporaneously, via two or more wireless communicationprotocols via RF data 40 and RF voice signals 42.

In operation, the voice data RF IC 70′ executes operational instructionsthat implement one or more of the applications (real-time ornon-real-time) attributed to communication device 10 as discussed inconjunction with FIG. 1. Further, RF IC 70′ includes on-chip powermanagement circuit 95′ that implements power management features inaccordance with the present invention that have been discussed inconjunction with off-chip power management circuit 95.

FIG. 10 is a more detailed schematic block diagram of an embodiment ofpower management circuitry in accordance with the present invention. Inparticular, selected modules of voice data RF IC 50′ or 70′ are shownthat include processing module 225, memory module 230, wireline port 64,clock signal generator 202 and interface modules 240 and 242. In anembodiment of the present invention, memory module 230 stores a leastone application, such as application 232 and/or application 234 that mayinclude any of the applications discussed in conjunction with FIGS. 1-7,as well as other interface applications, system utilities, or otherprograms executed by processing module 225 to perform the functions andfeatures of communication device 10 or 30. These applications are storedin memory module 230 and/or an off-chip memory such as memory 54, as aplurality of operational instructions. Depending on which application isbeing executed by the processing module 225, the use characteristics ofthat application at a given time and/or the power status signals 209 maybe used to determine a power mode that powers the voice data and RF ICin an efficient fashion. If communication device 10 or 30 is usingcertain peripheral devices and/or certain interfaces or modules at agiven time, on-chip power management circuit 95′ can be commanded tosupply only those power supply signals that are required based on theperipheral devices, interfaces and/or other modules that are in use.

For instance, if a USB device is coupled to wireline port 64, then apower mode command can be sent to on-chip power management module 95′ togenerate a power supply signal 204 that supplies a power supply voltage,(such as a 5 volt, 8 milliamp supply voltage) to the wireline port 64 inorder to power the USB device or devices connected thereto. In anotherexample, if the communication device 10 includes a mobile communicationdevice that operates in accordance with a GSM or EDGE wireless protocol,the on-chip power management circuit 95′ can generate supply voltagesfor the baseband and RF modules of the transceiver only when thetransceiver is operating. Further, peripheral devices 250, 252, etc.such as the camera 76, memory 54, keypad/keyboard 58, microphone 60,display 56, and speaker 62 can be powered through interfaces 240, 242,etc. when these peripheral devices are attached (to the extent that theycan be detached) and to the extent that these devices are currently inuse by the application.

The power management features of the present invention operate based onthe processing module determining, for the current application beingexecuted with corresponding current use characteristics, the currentpower mode of a plurality of power modes. In particular, processingmodule 225 when executing the application, selects a current power modebased on current use characteristics of the application and the powerstatus signals 209, and generates a power mode signal 208 based on theselected power modes. In an embodiment of the present invention,processing module 225 maintains a register that indicates for aplurality of modules, interfaces and/or peripheral devices either,whether that device is currently being used or a power flag, such aspower off, power on, high power, low power, medium power, etc, for thatparticular device, module and/or interface (when these devices arethemselves capable in operating in different power modes). In addition,processing module, via look-up table, calculation or other processingroutine, determines power mode 208 by determining the particular powersupply signals required to be generated based on the devices in use andoptionally their own power states.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the on-chip power managementmodule 95′ monitors the status of the external power sources such as thebattery, an external power source such as a power supply or othervoltage source, and from inductive power module 275. If the externalpower source is supplying adequate and reliable power, off-chip powermanagement circuit 95 can set an external power indicator of the powerstatus signals 209 to a ready state. If not, the on-chip powermanagement circuit 95′ can set the external power indicator of the powerstatus signals 209 to a not-ready state. Further, if the battery issupplying adequate and reliable power, on-chip power management circuit95′ can set a battery power status indicator of the power status signals209 to a normal state. If not, the on-chip power management circuit 95′can set the battery power status indicator of the power status signals209 to a low power state. In addition, if the inductive power module 275is supplying adequate and reliable power, on-chip power managementcircuit 95′ can set an inductive power status indicator of the powerstatus signals 209 to a inductive power ready state. If not, the on-chippower management circuit 95′ can set the inductive power statusindicator of the power status signals 209 to a not-ready state.

These power status signals 209 are supplied to processing module 225 andcan be used to select one or a plurality of power modes and to generatea power mode signal 208 that is supplied back to the on-chip powermanagement circuit 95′. In this fashion, as discussed above, aparticular power mode can be selected based on the application being runand the particular modules of voice data RF IC 50 or 70 or otherperipheral components that are in use. In addition or in thealternative, processing module 225 can select a power mode based on thepower status signals to reflect the source of power. For instance, ifexternal power status indicator is in the ready state, the on-chip powermanagement circuit 95′, either one its own, or via command from theprocessing module 225 through power mode signals 208, can draw powerfrom the an external power supply, such as when the communication device10 or 30 is being supplied power from a wall outlet. Processing module225, through power mode signals 208 can command the on-chip powermanagement circuit 95′ to utilize no power conservation measures, orless aggressive power management measures. Any devices that couldpossibly be called upon for use could be powered and in full-powermodes.

Further, when external power is unavailable (the battery power statusindicator is in a normal state and the external power status indicatoris in a not-ready state) the on-chip power management circuit 95′,either on its own, or via command from the processing module 225 candraw power from the battery. In addition, the processing module 225through power mode signals 208 can command the on-chip power managementcircuit 95′ to begin conservation measures to power down unused modulesor devices and to operate in a low power state whenever possible.

In addition, when external and battery power are both unavailable (thebattery power status indicator is in a low state and the external powerstatus indicator is in a not-ready state) and power is available fromthe inductive power module 275, (the inductive power status indicator isin a ready state) the on-chip power management circuit 95′, either onits own, or via command from the processing module 225 can draw powerfrom the battery. In addition, the processing module 225 through powermode signals 208 can command the on-chip power management circuit 95′ toother conservation measures, such as more extreme power conservation bydiscontinuing the generation of power supply signals to nonessentialmodules or devices, to adjust the power supply signals 204 for somemodules, such as by lowering the supply voltage or adjusting the currentlimits or to employ other conservation techniques.

In a particular embodiment, when the battery power status indicatorenters the low state and the inductive power status indicator is ready,the processing module in response to the change of power modes cancommand the transmitter to transmit a low power message to devices incommunication with the communication device 10 or 30 so that steps canbe taken to adapt to the communication device's operation in an reduced,low or very lower power state. In this mode, the communication channelmay be cleared of other traffic or communication could be routed to aclear channel such as a channel reserved for low power communications.Further protocol changes could be implemented between the communicationdevice 10 or 30 to increase coding strength, decrease packet size,reduce unnecessary packet overhead, etc., to increase the throughput ofcommunications from the communication device 10 or 30.

The various modules and circuitry of voice data RF IC 50′ or 70′ thatare shown in conjunction with FIG. 10 can be implemented with one ormore dedicated or shared field programmable gate arrays, programmablelogic devices, state machines, logic circuits, analog circuits, digitalcircuits, and/or any devices or other processing devices. In addition,while particular circuits and modules of voice data RF IC 50′ or 70′ areshown, this integrated circuit includes other modules including one ormore RF modules, baseband modules, drivers and interface modules asdescribed in conjunction with FIGS. 6 and 7 or otherwise required bycommunication devices 10 and 30 to perform the various functions andfeatures associated with the broad spectrum of applications performedthereby. While a particular connection between these modules ispresented, other couplings are likewise possible, particular through theuse of one or more buses such as data buses.

FIG. 11 is a side view of a pictorial representation of an integratedcircuit package in accordance with the present invention. Voice data andRF IC 325, such as voice data and RF IC 50′ or 70′, includes a system ona chip (SoC) die 300, a memory die 302 a substrate 306, bonding pads 308and power management unit (PMU) 308, such as on-chip power managementcircuit 95′. This figure is not drawn to scale, rather it is meant to bea pictorial representation that illustrates the juxtaposition of the SoCdie 300, Memory die 302, PMU 304 and the bonding pads 308. Inparticular, the voice data and RF IC 325 is integrated in a package witha top and a bottom having a plurality of bonding pads 308 to connect thevoice data and RF IC 325 to a circuit board, and wherein the on-chippower management unit 325 is integrated along the bottom of the package.In an embodiment of the present invention, die 302 includes the memorymodule 230 and die 300 includes the processing module 225. These diesare stacked and die bonding is employed to connect these two circuitsand minimize the number of bonding pads, (balls) out to the package.Both SoC die 300 and memory die 302 are coupled to respective ones ofthe bonding pads 308 via bonding wires or other connections.

PMU 304 is coupled to the SoC die 300, and/or the memory die 302 viaconductive vias, bonding wires, bonding pads or by other connections.The positioning of the PMU on the bottom of the package in a flip chipconfiguration allows good heat dissipation of the PMU 304 to a circuitboard when the voice data and RF integrated circuit is installed.

FIG. 12 is a bottom view of a pictorial representation of an integratedcircuit package in accordance with the present invention. As shown, thebonding pads (balls) 308 are arrayed in an area of the bottom of theintegrated circuit with an open center portion 310 and wherein theon-chip power management unit (PMU 304) is integrated in the open centerportion. While a particular pattern and number of bonding pads 308 areshown, a greater or lesser number of bonding pads can likewise beemployed with alternative configurations within the broad scope of thepresent invention.

FIG. 13 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method in accordance withthe present invention. In particular, a method is presented for use inconjunction with one or more of the functions and features described inconjunction with FIGS. 1-12. In step 400, at least one power statussignal indicating an inductive power status of an off-chip inductivepower module is received, the inductive power status including aninductive power ready state, and the at least one power status signalfurther indicating a battery power status of a battery. In step 402, aselected one of a plurality of power modes is determined based on the atleast one power status signal. In step 404, a power mode signal isgenerated based on the selected one of the plurality of power mode. Instep 406, a plurality of power supply signals is generated based on thepower mode signal.

In an embodiment of the present invention, step 406 includesdiscontinuing the generation of an additional supply voltage in responseto the power mode signal. Further, step 406 can include adjusting asupply voltage and/or supply current limit in response to the power modesignal.

FIG. 14 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method in accordance withthe present invention. In particular, a method is presented for use inconjunction with one or more of the functions and features described inconjunction with FIG. 13 wherein step 402 includes determining a firstpower mode when the battery power status is in a normal state anddetermining a second power mode when the battery power status is a lowstate and the inductive power status is in the inductive power readystate. In step 420, a low power message is transmitted in response to achange from the first power mode to the second power mode.

As may be used herein, the terms “substantially” and “approximately”provides an industry-accepted tolerance for its corresponding termand/or relativity between items. Such an industry-accepted toleranceranges from less than one percent to fifty percent and corresponds to,but is not limited to, component values, integrated circuit processvariations, temperature variations, rise and fall times, and/or thermalnoise. Such relativity between items ranges from a difference of a fewpercent to magnitude differences. As may also be used herein, theterm(s) “coupled to” and/or “coupling” and/or includes direct couplingbetween items and/or indirect coupling between items via an interveningitem (e.g., an item includes, but is not limited to, a component, anelement, a circuit, and/or a module) where, for indirect coupling, theintervening item does not modify the information of a signal but mayadjust its current level, voltage level, and/or power level. As mayfurther be used herein, inferred coupling (i.e., where one element iscoupled to another element by inference) includes direct and indirectcoupling between two items in the same manner as “coupled to”. As mayeven further be used herein, the term “operable to” indicates that anitem includes one or more of power connections, input(s), output(s),etc., to perform one or more its corresponding functions and may furtherinclude inferred coupling to one or more other items. As may stillfurther be used herein, the term “associated with”, includes directand/or indirect coupling of separate items and/or one item beingembedded within another item. As may be used herein, the term “comparesfavorably”, indicates that a comparison between two or more items,signals, etc., provides a desired relationship. For example, when thedesired relationship is that signal 1 has a greater magnitude thansignal 2, a favorable comparison may be achieved when the magnitude ofsignal 1 is greater than that of signal 2 or when the magnitude ofsignal 2 is less than that of signal 1.

The present invention has also been described above with the aid ofmethod steps illustrating the performance of specified functions andrelationships thereof. The boundaries and sequence of these functionalbuilding blocks and method steps have been arbitrarily defined hereinfor convenience of description. Alternate boundaries and sequences canbe defined so long as the specified functions and relationships areappropriately performed. Any such alternate boundaries or sequences arethus within the scope and spirit of the claimed invention.

The present invention has been described above with the aid offunctional building blocks illustrating the performance of certainsignificant functions. The boundaries of these functional buildingblocks have been arbitrarily defined for convenience of description.Alternate boundaries could be defined as long as the certain significantfunctions are appropriately performed. Similarly, flow diagram blocksmay also have been arbitrarily defined herein to illustrate certainsignificant functionality. To the extent used, the flow diagram blockboundaries and sequence could have been defined otherwise and stillperform the certain significant functionality. Such alternatedefinitions of both functional building blocks and flow diagram blocksand sequences are thus within the scope and spirit of the claimedinvention. One of average skill in the art will also recognize that thefunctional building blocks, and other illustrative blocks, modules andcomponents herein, can be implemented as illustrated or by discretecomponents, application specific integrated circuits, processorsexecuting appropriate software and the like or any combination thereof.

What is claimed is:
 1. A communication device comprising: a radiofrequency integrated circuit (RFIC) that generates a power mode signalbased on a selected one of a plurality of power modes, the RFICincluding a RF transceiver circuit and a baseband processing circuit; aninductive power circuit that generates an inductive power signal from aremote reader; a power management circuit, coupled to the RFIC and theinductive power circuit and at least one alternative power source,wherein the power management circuit: receives the power mode signal;generates a power supply signal from one of, the inductive power signaland the at least one alternative power source; and selectivelyimplements one of a plurality of power conservation measures of thecommunication device based on commands indicated by the power modesignal.
 2. The communication device of claim 1 further comprising: asignal interface between the power management circuit and the RFIC thatoperates in accordance with one of: serialization deserialization(SERDES) signaling; and inter IC (I²C) signaling.
 3. The communicationdevice of claim 1 further comprising a wired communication interface. 4.The communication device of claim 1 wherein the communication device isone of: a personal digital assistant, a portable computer and a gameconsole.
 5. The communication device of claim 1 wherein the RFICcommunicates in accordance with one of: an 802.11 signaling protocol; aBluetooth signaling protocol; a WIMAX protocol; a Global System forMobile Communications (GSM) protocol; a General Packet Radio Service(GPRS) protocol; a Enhanced Data Rates for Global Evolution (EDGE)protocol; and a Personal Communication Services (PCS) protocol.
 6. Thecommunication device of claim 1 wherein the RFIC includes an interfacecircuit that at operates as at least one of: a camera interface; akeyboard interface; a display interface, and an antenna interface. 7.The communication device of claim 6 wherein the interface circuit can beselectively deactivated and wherein the RF IC generates the power modesignal that commands the power management circuit to discontinuepowering of the interface circuit.
 8. The communication device of claim6 wherein the interface circuit interfaces the RFIC to a peripheraldevice that is powered via the interface circuit.
 9. The communicationdevice of claim 1 wherein the RF IC is configured in a flip chippackage.
 10. A radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC) comprising: aprocessing circuit that executes a plurality of operational instructionsof at least one application and that determines a selected one of theplurality of power modes, and generates a power mode signal based on theselected one of the plurality of power modes; and a power managementcircuit, coupled to the processing circuit, an inductive power circuitand coupleable to at least one alternative power source, that receivesthe power mode signal and that generates a power supply signal, based onthe power mode signal, from one of, an inductive power signal from theinductive power circuit, and an alternative power signal from the atleast one alternative power source; wherein the processing circuitgenerates the power mode signal that commands the power managementcircuit to selectively activate and deactivate power conservationmeasures of the RFIC.
 11. The RFIC of claim 10 further comprising: amemory circuit, coupled to the processing circuit, that stores theplurality of power modes.
 12. The RFIC of claim 10 further comprising:an RF transceiver circuit for communicating with at least one remotedevice via RF signaling.
 13. The RFIC of claim 10 wherein the RFtransceiver circuit for communicates with at least one remote device inaccordance with one of: an 802.11 signaling protocol; a Bluetoothsignaling protocol; and a WIMAX protocol.
 14. The RFIC of claim 10further comprising a wired communication interface.
 15. The RFIC ofclaim 10 further comprising an interface circuit that at operates as atleast one of: a camera interface; a keyboard interface; a displayinterface, and an antenna interface.
 16. The RFIC of claim 15 whereinthe interface circuit can be selectively deactivated and wherein theRFIC generates the power mode signal that commands the off-chip powermanagement circuit to discontinue powering of the interface circuit. 17.The RFIC of claim 16 wherein the interface circuit interfaces the RFICto a peripheral device that is powered via the interface circuit. 18.The RFIC of claim 10 further comprising: a package substrate; and aplurality of dies configured in a flip chip package.
 19. The RFIC ofclaim 10 wherein the inductive power circuit generates the inductivepower signal from an RF signal transmitted by a remote reader.
 20. Acommunication device comprising: a radio frequency integrated circuit(RFIC) that generates a power mode signal based on a selected one of aplurality of power modes, the RFIC including a RF transceiver circuitand a baseband processing circuit; an inductive power circuit thatgenerates an inductive power signal from a remote reader; a powermanagement circuit, coupled to the RFIC and the inductive power circuitand at least one alternative power source, wherein the power managementcircuit: receives the power mode signal; generates a power supply signalfrom one of, the inductive power signal and the at least one alternativepower source; and selectively activates and deactivates powerconservation measures of the communication device based on commandsindicated by the power mode signal.